You’ve booked your photo session! Fantastic!

Only … what should you wear?

No matter if you’re going to be part of an engagement session, a family portrait, or your own individual portrait, your clothing choices are important. You want to look your best!

Don’t fret, we’ve put together this tip sheet to help you along the way. With six years of making people look amazing, we’ve come up with some good guidelines as to what works, and what doesn’t. Of course, any of the following rules can be broken … but do so at your own risk!

If you only take our advice on one point, this is it: Bring backup clothing that is different than what you are wearing. This may mean shirt, sweater, pants, socks, and shoes … backup undies not required, unless the idea of a photographer scares you that much.

Now for a few *gentle* recommendations on what to wear:

 

Awesome Ideas:

1. It’s best for a couple or a family to wear outfits in the same color family or with similar accent colors. However, avoid having everyone wear the same outfit. Our Family Portrait Style section is dedicated to helping you create the best color palette for your group.
2. Decide as a group whether you’ll wear clothes that are generally lighter or darker. There are advantages to both, but you’ll want to decide on a general trend for the family.
3. Darker colors are slimming! Your smiling face is brighter, and your body is less prominent.
4. The freshness and airiness of lighter tones work great in brighter locations like the beach.
5. Solids or simple patterns are good.
6. Fitted-but-comfortable clothing always helps. Big, baggy shirts can increase the illusion of weight. You will want clothes you can sit, stand, run, and jump around in. Because, trust us, you may jump around!
7. Nice jeans, paired with a dressy top is always a go-to outfit!
8. Bring a backup pair of comfortable flats, if you plan to wear heels.
9. Socks are great in any color except white. For guys, make sure the socks hide your hairy legs when sitting in those jeans.
10. Accessories for the guys and gals: Yes, bring your funky necklaces, jackets, hats, scarves, sunglasses, etc!

 

Not-So-Awesome Ideas:

1.  Exact matching outfits – it might seem cute to have everyone wear the the same “uniform”, but in a few years, you’ll laugh at yourself for being so cheesy!
2. Bright white shirts.
3. Wild patterns or horizontal stripes.
4. Shirts with lots of writing or big brand names.
5. Sleeveless shirts or blouses.
6. Belly shirts with short hemlines – the bottom edge of the shirt should hit at your hips or lower.
7. Please, Dad, don’t wear shorts, even if it’s going to be a hot day. I won’t be able to cover knobby knees, and I won’t be able to crop everyone from the waist up in all photos.
8. Bright white socks on guys = very, very bad. Any other color = very good.

Hopefully, this has given you an idea of what will make you look and feel fabulous for your shoot!

Want more tips and tricks for creating amazing portraits? Check out these articles on the topic:

• Taming the Terrors: 10 tips for preparing your kids to be photographed.
• Family Portrait Style: Create a cohesive look for your family portraits.
• Our Pinterest board of family portrait outfit ideas.

 

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